2005 Mitsubishi Space Star: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Mitsubishi Space Stars, from 228 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 228 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Mitsubishi Space Stars than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings4.1× usualMitsubishi Space Star24.6% All 2005 cars6%
Failed outright at MOT: 14%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Anti-roll bar link bushes8× usualMitsubishi Space Star13.6% All 2005 cars1.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 0.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usualMitsubishi Space Star18.9% All 2005 cars7.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 10.1%, against 3.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Ball joint dust cover2.8× usualMitsubishi Space Star13.2% All 2005 cars4.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.8% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Track rod ends2.4× usualMitsubishi Space Star14.5% All 2005 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
By area
The share of 2005 Mitsubishi Space Star MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension60% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes52% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics38% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres36% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Exhaust and emissions19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Driveshafts and joints19% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 364 | Suspension 61% |
| 2003 | 229 | Suspension 59% |
| 2002 | 153 | Suspension 59% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Mitsubishi Space Stars registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score